Photo Credit: Brian Cunningham

Worcester-based Lielack has released their newest single “Walls” on all streaming services today. With a soft blend of pop, emo and punk in their latest release, “Walls” defines Lielack’s Nu-Punk sound. The single features singer-songwriter Kelaska and highlights the uncertainty of letting your guard down as you fall in love. “Walls” is accompanied by a music video featuring lead singer of Lielack, Jason Pascucci and Kelaska herself. 

“It’s always weird when you’re dating someone new, almost everyone has some kind of wall up; nobody wants to get hurt again. I’ve always found that dynamic interesting, because how do you know if you’re actually right for each other unless you both become vulnerable and show your true self? I know I almost inherently blame the other person initially, but It has to start with your own self awareness…” – Lielack

After the peaceful dissolution of their previous band Dearbones in the late summer of 2021, three of its official members decided to continue on forward together, organizing an entire Nu-revolution as Lielack. Built on the sonic talents of Jason Pascucci (Vocals), Andrew Quinn (Guitar), and Jacob Blondin (Drums), Lielack surged into the scene with the release of their debut single “Nu4U” in the following September, revealing a powerfully tight melodic three-piece, fully loaded with nuclear energy and a whole lotta heart. 

Ready to take over charts and playlists with inspired hybrid vibes that cleverly merge radiant Pop/Punk into a signature style of their own as a Nu-Punk band – Lielack exists purely to thrill listeners all across the map with an authentic blend of scorching hot musicianship, endearing vocals, and wild Nu material. 

What’s your story as an artist? 

I grew up in a small town where there was nothing better to do than make music and do drugs. I did both and had a lot of fun doing both until the drugs became all I did and by then both had lost their fun. I lost interest in music, friends. I lost everything, including myself. I ended up homeless, addicted to shooting heroin, warrants out for my arrest, jail a couple times, overdoses started to become a trend. I ended up in detox for like the 10th time and this time I tried a 12-step program, and it completely changed my life. With that everything came back to me, in my 8 years of sobriety, I reconnected with my love for music and new love and knowledge of myself. I started writing again and with this new self-awareness in mind, eventually came Lielack.

What inspired this single?

“Walls” is about deflection. That unwillingness to look at yourself in the mirror and fully recognize the “you” that you’re putting out into the world. Especially in relationships, if you’re keeping walls up, and your partner doesn’t really get to know the real you, then your relationship is built on false pretenses. I think that’s the reason a lot of relationships end up failing. It starts in the beginning. If you know yourself, allow yourself to be vulnerable, then you’ll know the love you’re receiving is genuine.

What are some sources of inspiration for your storytelling?

My pain, my past, and probably my fears.

Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording or writing the song?

I jokingly at one point instead of singing “its you, not me” sang “its June, not May” and now I can’t unhear it. I’m literally nervous that I’m going to accidentally sing that live. It wasn’t even June when it did it. It was like September so yeah, I’m dumb.

Tell us about the music video and the idea behind it?

So originally, Andrew had the idea to film it in a library or bookstore where Kelaska and I would be running around looking for each other like two ships in the night. The bookshelves symbolized the “walls” and the books, our past, etc. We found this old bookstore in CT where it was all set to go, but once the owner saw me in person and my “questionable appearance,” decided that we weren’t a good fit for her story. So being from Worcester, in a last minute bind asked the owner of Bedlam Books. She said “hell yeah.” She was so cool she even hosted the premiere there after hours. We had this book drive and raised over $500 for a local youth educational fund called “Reading Together.” We also were able to film some in the store across the hall (Seed to Stem) which aesthetically, is like the coolest store in Worcester, MA. So basically that lady’s prejudice against tattooed people was like the best thing to happen to us!

What’s a record that shaped your creativity?

Nirvana “In Utero” changed me.

Who is an artist or band you look up to today?

I think Bring Me the Horizon has done a fantastic job of staying current while also, somehow staying true to themselves. Billie Eilish and her brother also, it’s just so cool seeing their process and end product…inspirational af. 

 Top 3 dream collaborations?

Billie Eilish, Bring Me The Horizon, Blackbear.

What does music mean to you?

Music has always done something to me, it affects all my senses. It sounds crazy but certain music makes me see things, like Bon Iver makes me literally feel things.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?

Someone once described it as punk-kissed pop. I liked that.

Any future projects?

We are just getting started and we have no plans on stopping, but as far as near term, I think people can expect something to knock them outta their Thanksgiving coma.